Tags:

Five villages in Kuruman in the Northern Cape demand that a 130 kilometres tarred road be completed this year, otherwise they will boycott the local government elections.

Kuruman made headlines in 2012 and 2014 when residents prevented about 17 000 learners from going to school to demand the construction of a tarred road.

According to community spokesperson, James Boraki, the contractor has not yet completed the 130 km tarred road which they promised to complete this year.

Boraki says only 20 km of the road has been completed and the quality is poor.

The Department of Public Works says communities need to be patient as the department is facing financial challenges. Department's spokesperson Crystal Robertson says they are still determined to finish the project, but it will take time.

"Our senior executives have already met with the necessary stakeholders such as the road forum and communicated at length with the communities that we are facing certain challenges in terms of our financial budget pertaining to these roads. I think from our side the department is moving forward, the department is making progress. We are upholding our commitment that we made to the public where we are saying we are facing serious financial challenges in terms of the constructions of these roads."

Robertson adds that they are still are busy with tender procedures where the road construction company that has qualified for the tender will be on site immediately to start with phase two.